Pro Sailing Series Sets $100,000 Race May 3-6

ProSail, the professional sailboat racing series, will stage one of its five national events out of Fort Lauderdale from May 3-6, circuit spokesman Larry Tibbe said Friday.

ProSail, which held the final event of its initial season two years ago off Miami Beach, will employ a match-race format for its 1990 season.

The format will pit all challengers against Randy Smyth, the series` two-time champion in the ProSail 40 catamaran class. The winner at each of the five events, including Fort Lauderdale, will receive $100,000.

Races are held on courses close to shore, allowing spectators to watch from the beach.

To make the series attractive to competitors, event organizers will equip any skipper willing to put up a $5,000 entry fee with a ProSail 40 identical to Smyth`s.

``We think it`s a pretty compelling format,`` Tibbe said.

Skippers from all over the country, including some with America`s Cup experience, have inquired about entering, Tibbe said. In addition, teams from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Holland and France may also participate.